Travellers in the southwest Mexico state of Jaliscohave received warnings to remain inside as violence broke out afterthe murder of a drug gang leader the assassination of a drug cartel boss the killing of a major drug trafficking figure the death of a top drug cartel operator the elimination of a drug kingpin the slaying of a leading drug cartel figure the demise of a prominent drug cartel leader the termination of a drug cartel’s top executive the killing of a high-ranking drug cartel member the passing of a major drug trafficking boss. Social media videos depict airline travelers taking shelter as Guadalajara airport is targeted.
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the powerful head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was eliminated in a joint Mexican military and U.S. operation in the town of Tapalpa.
Following the murder of the individual commonly referred to as “El Mencho,” bloodshed has spread throughout the state in retaliation.
The Foreign Office is warningSignificant security events were reported on February 22 throughout the state of Jalisco, including inGuadalajaraand Puerto Vallarta, after a federal law enforcement operation targeting organized crime in the municipality of Tapalpa.
Officials in Puerto Vallarta have released a public warning to remain inside. Access to airports could be restricted. Reports of events are also emerging from different regions of the country. You are advised to take great care, adhere to guidance from local authorities, including instructions to stay indoors and refrain from unnecessary travel in impacted zones.
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City advised American citizens across the state of Jalisco and certain other regions of the country to “remain indoors until additional instructions are provided.” Thesecurity alertcautioned about “continuous security operations along with associated roadblocks and unlawful behavior.”
Numerous flights to the airports serving the well-known Pacific destination of Puerto Vallarta and the city of Guadalajara, which will host the 2026 World Cup, have been rerouted or canceled.
At least 30 flights leaving from US, Mexican, and Canadian airports bound for Puerto Vallarta have either gone back to where they came from or changed course to different airports. Dozens of additional flights have been called off. Consequently, thousands of tourists at the Pacific resort who anticipated departing on Sunday are now stuck.
Puerto Vallarta airport issued a statement on X(formerly Twitter) stated: “According to the airlines’ decision, on Sunday, February 22, 2026, all international flights and most domestic flights have been canceled.”
We ask travelers and individuals to stay composed and adhere to all directions given by airport staff at every moment.
The statement also mentioned: “The incidents reported in different areas of the state did not affect the airport’s internal activities or the safety inside its premises.”
The airport is safeguarded by staff from the National Guard (GN) and the Ministry of National Defense (Sedena), as part of continuous collaboration with federal agencies.
Air Canada shared a notice to travelers on X, stating: “Because of a current security issue in Puerto Vallarta affecting the airport,Air Canadahas temporarily halted activities there today. We are keeping track of the situation and are in communication with local officials who are striving to address the problem.
Customers are encouraged not to head to the airport unless their flight is listed as active on aircanada.com, and they will be promptly informed of any changes to their travel plans. Additional details will be provided once available.
A specialist in Latin America from the conflict tracking organization Acled cautioned about potential additional unrest.
Sandra Pellegrini stated: “The killing of CJNG leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes represents a major operational advancement for Mexican authorities, yet the reported immediate highway closures and fire attacks illustrate how swiftly cartels can respond to assert their ongoing dominance.”
Previous instances indicate that removing leaders seldom decreases violence over time, and frequently leads to instability as different groups fight for control.
The most recent alert has no impact on the primary destinations for British travelers along the Caribbean coast, particularly Cancun. The increase in violence is occurring 1,000 miles elsewhere.
Only flight cancellations at Cancun airport are those to and from Guadalajara because of the security conditions – and also some flights heading to the New York region due to severe winter weather in the northeastern United States. Sunday flights with Tui from Manchester and Birmingham, British Airways from Gatwick, and Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow are all running as usual.
But the Foreign Officeit updated its guidance on Monday to caution: “there have been reports of roadblocks on interstate highways in the affected regions. please keep an eye on local news and adhere to recommendations from officials and regional transportation providers before deciding to embark on a journey. should you choose to travel, it is advisable to do so on interstate roads during daylight hours.”
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has already issued warnings regarding travel to numerous areas of Mexico due to drug-related violence. The official guidance states: “Drug-related violence in Mexico has risen in recent years. Avoid any involvement with drugs.”
Some regions in Mexico experience elevated crime levels because of conflicts between competing organized crime groups. In these areas, there is a danger of getting caught in the middle of the violence or being incorrectly identified as a gang member.
Read more:Countries listed on the Foreign Office “do not travel” list
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